2022 Château Constellation Fendant Rectoratus Sanctissimæ Trinitatis

The Château Constellation winery in Sion

Château Constellation is located on the Route de Nendaz in Sion, in the Swiss canton of Valais. It is one of the few wineries officially permitted to bear the name "Château." Nestled in the mountains, this modern winery is literally part of the landscape. The architecture is constructed of granite, slate, and larch wood, designed according to the golden ratio, which symbolizes the harmony between nature, humanity, and craftsmanship.

The cellars are integrated into the rock face and benefit from a constant microclimate. The winemakers work according to the principles of sustainable viticulture and hold the Vitival label, which guarantees respect for soil, nature, and biodiversity. The estate covers over eighty hectares, spread across the terraces along the Rhône River. These slopes, once formed by retreating glaciers, are composed of slate and granite, producing wines with a distinctive minerality.

The winery collaborates with oenologist Michel Rolland, one of the world's most influential wine consultants. His involvement underscores Château Constellation's international ambition and its quest for precision and elegance in every wine.

The Origin of the Rectoratus Sanctissimæ Trinitatis

The name of this special wine refers to a centuries-old foundation in Sion. In 1288, Bishop Boniface de Challant founded the Rectory of the Most Holy Trinity. This rectory, connected to the church of Saint Pierre, was a religious institution that for centuries organized masses in honor of the Valais homeland. According to the archives, it is one of the oldest registered wine estates in the canton of Valais.

The historical heritage and symbolism of the Rectoratus are perpetuated today in this wine, which embodies the pride of Valais: Fendant, better known as Chasselas, the king of the region's white wines. This grape covers a third of all vineyards in Valais and is the international flagship of Swiss white wine.

Vineyard and terroir

The grapes for the Fendant Rectoratus Sanctissimæ Trinitatis 2022 come from vines over fifty years old on the Coteau de Sion, in the "La Gasse" vineyard. This slope, situated at an altitude of approximately 520 meters, consists of clay and limestone soil, which contributes to the finesse and mineral tension in the wine. The vines are pruned according to the Guyot system, with a planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare. The yield is low, averaging around one kilogram of grapes per square meter, resulting in a concentrated and expressive wine.

The dry and sunny climate of Valais – with over 300 sunny days a year – combined with cool nights, produces grapes with an optimal balance of ripeness and freshness. The foehn winds contribute to even ripening and prevent mold, keeping the grapes healthy and aromatic until harvest.

Vinification and style

The vinification of the 2022 vintage focuses on purity and finesse. The grapes are gently pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature, never exceeding 17 degrees Celsius. Part of the malolactic fermentation is carried out to create softness, while another part is skipped to maintain the fresh tension. This results in a wine with a subtle interplay of creaminess and lively acidity.

The wine is aged for several months on fine lees to develop structure and depth. The Fendant Rectoratus has an alcohol content of 12.5 percent, a serving temperature of 6 to 10 degrees Celsius, and an aging potential of five to twenty years, depending on storage conditions.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a bright, light golden color with vibrant reflections. On the nose, it reveals delicate aromas of white peach, a fresh minerality, light notes of hazelnut, and a subtle hint of rhubarb. On the palate, the wine is balanced and precise, with juicy white fruit, a hint of citrus, and a clean, mineral finish.

The texture is soft yet refreshing, with a slightly saline character typical of the Coteau de Sion. This is a wine with elegance and length, perfect for lovers of crisp, minerally white wines with complexity.

The 2022 vintage won several awards, including silver at the 2023 Sélection des Vins du Valais and the 2024 Grand Prix du Vin Suisse. This confirms its status as one of the finest expressions of Fendant from Valais.

Would you like to order Château Constellation wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

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Wine and food pairings

• Fresh oysters with a drop of lemon – the salty character of the wine enhances the freshness of the shellfish.

• Asparagus with butter sauce and poached egg – the soft acidity and mineral notes complement the creamy texture of the dish beautifully.

• Trout with almond butter – the slightly nutty aromas of the wine find harmony with the subtle flavors of the fish.

• Veal tartare with lemon and parsley – the freshness of the wine provides a lively contrast with the tender texture of the meat.

• Raclette with potatoes and gherkins – a classic from Valais, where the Fendant perfectly cuts through the fattiness of the cheese.

• Goat's cheese with honey and thyme – the interplay of creaminess, sweetness and spice really comes into its own in this wine.